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Curated by gallery director Audrey Schmitz, over 40 paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photographs in the exhibit feature designs inspired by historic labyrinth pathways, as well as original creations made by current NOC art students and alumni. Visitors will also learn about the history of labyrinths and their variations in design and function dating from more than 4000 years ago.
According to a recent article by Faith Hari in Oklahoma Magazine, “Despite its mysterious origins, the labyrinth is one of the most distinct manmade designs, appearing in places all over the world for thousands of years. Although its winding pattern may resemble a maze, a true labyrinth has only one path that leads to and from its center.”
Seven large-scale photographs in the exhibit feature permanent Oklahoma labyrinths found at the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond; Mercy Health Center, Oklahoma City; Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant; Phillips Theological Seminary, Tulsa; Oklahoma State University, Stillwater; and Heart in the Park in Centennial Park, Tonkawa. The materials used to create these walking paths include stone, bricks, plants, grass, paint, and pavers.
Along with pathway-inspired paintings, drawings, and sculptures, NOC art students collaborated on a large-scale “art” labyrinth based on the NOC Maverick logo. Titled Maverinth Collabrinth, the work is a collage of student photos with a “walking” path separated by hundreds of red, black, and gray hand-coiled papers. Art instructors Audrey Schmitz and Jason McNaughton lead students to explore the potential of labyrinth design in their 3D and 2D Fundamentals of Art courses in the current fall semester.
Eleanor Hays Art Gallery, located in the Kinzer Performing Arts Center, is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and during evening and weekend events in the KPAC Auditorium. Admission is free. Contact gallery director Audrey Schmitz at 580-628-6670 or [email protected] for more information.
